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- Welcome Letter from the Specialty Board President

Alexander Khaddouma, PhD, ABPP
On behalf of the American Board of Couple and Family Psychology, welcome!
The specialty of Couple and Family Psychology (CFP) utilizes a broad, systemic lens to understand psychological functioning. We look beyond the individual to consider how intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental, and macro-systemic factors influence psychological health.
Board certification represents the highest standard of professional practice for psychologists. It is highly valued across diverse healthcare sectors, including:
- Private and public hospitals
- US Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) and military branches
- US Public Health Service
- Leading academic institutions
- Systems and consumers seeking expert-level care
We recognize that specialized CFP training is not readily available in every setting. Therefore, the Board encourages candidates to demonstrate their systemic competency through various avenues, such as graduate coursework, practica, internship, post-graduate training, post-doctoral fellowship/residency, supervision, teaching, research and publication. See our CFP Education and Training Taxonomy for more information about opportunities for CFP specialization at each step of your professional journey.
Whether you apply for board certification via the Standard or Senior track, your evaluation will focus on your ability to apply systemic concepts to human behavior while maintaining a deep awareness of context, diversity, and ethics.
We are committed to a positive, collegial examination experience. Every applicant is offered the opportunity to work with a CFP mentor to guide them through the process. Your practice sample is meant to showcase your work as a CFP professional. Your oral examination is designed to highlight your strengths and expertise, covering ten foundational competencies and one functional competency of your choice.
Interested in getting board certified?
We welcome your application and inquiries. If you have questions regarding your eligibility or the application process, please contact the ABCFP Board here.
Alexander Khaddouma, PhD, ABPP
President | American Board of Couple and Family Psychology